US20140263740A1 - Nebulizer and nebulizer kit - Google Patents
Nebulizer and nebulizer kit Download PDFInfo
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- US20140263740A1 US20140263740A1 US14/288,941 US201414288941A US2014263740A1 US 20140263740 A1 US20140263740 A1 US 20140263740A1 US 201414288941 A US201414288941 A US 201414288941A US 2014263740 A1 US2014263740 A1 US 2014263740A1
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- formation member
- compressed air
- channel formation
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- liquid
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M11/00—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes
- A61M11/02—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes operated by air or other gas pressure applied to the liquid or other product to be sprayed or atomised
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M11/00—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes
- A61M11/001—Particle size control
- A61M11/002—Particle size control by flow deviation causing inertial separation of transported particles
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M11/00—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes
- A61M11/06—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes of the injector type
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
- B05B7/00—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas
- B05B7/0012—Apparatus for achieving spraying before discharge from the apparatus
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
- B05B7/00—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas
- B05B7/02—Spray pistols; Apparatus for discharge
- B05B7/06—Spray pistols; Apparatus for discharge with at least one outlet orifice surrounding another approximately in the same plane
- B05B7/062—Spray pistols; Apparatus for discharge with at least one outlet orifice surrounding another approximately in the same plane with only one liquid outlet and at least one gas outlet
- B05B7/063—Spray pistols; Apparatus for discharge with at least one outlet orifice surrounding another approximately in the same plane with only one liquid outlet and at least one gas outlet one fluid being sucked by the other
- B05B7/064—Spray pistols; Apparatus for discharge with at least one outlet orifice surrounding another approximately in the same plane with only one liquid outlet and at least one gas outlet one fluid being sucked by the other the liquid being sucked by the gas
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
- B05B7/00—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas
- B05B7/24—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas with means, e.g. a container, for supplying liquid or other fluent material to a discharge device
- B05B7/2402—Apparatus to be carried on or by a person, e.g. by hand; Apparatus comprising containers fixed to the discharge device
- B05B7/2405—Apparatus to be carried on or by a person, e.g. by hand; Apparatus comprising containers fixed to the discharge device using an atomising fluid as carrying fluid for feeding, e.g. by suction or pressure, a carried liquid from the container to the nozzle
- B05B7/2429—Apparatus to be carried on or by a person, e.g. by hand; Apparatus comprising containers fixed to the discharge device using an atomising fluid as carrying fluid for feeding, e.g. by suction or pressure, a carried liquid from the container to the nozzle the carried liquid and the main stream of atomising fluid being brought together after discharge
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
- B05B7/00—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas
- B05B7/24—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas with means, e.g. a container, for supplying liquid or other fluent material to a discharge device
- B05B7/2489—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas with means, e.g. a container, for supplying liquid or other fluent material to a discharge device an atomising fluid, e.g. a gas, being supplied to the discharge device
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M2206/00—Characteristics of a physical parameter; associated device therefor
- A61M2206/10—Flow characteristics
- A61M2206/14—Static flow deviators in tubes disturbing laminar flow in tubes, e.g. archimedes screws
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M2209/00—Ancillary equipment
- A61M2209/06—Packaging for specific medical equipment
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M2209/00—Ancillary equipment
- A61M2209/10—Equipment for cleaning
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Anesthesiology (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- Hematology (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)
- Nozzles (AREA)
Abstract
A nebulizer kit includes a case body having a compressed air introduction tube, in an upper end portion of which a nozzle hole that expels compressed air is formed, a suction channel formation member that forms a suction channel for sucking a liquid toward the upper end portion and that forms an atomizing area in an exit region of the nozzle hole, and a flow channel formation member having an aerosol discharge port. The suction channel has a first suction channel extending upward along an outer circumferential surface of the compressed air introduction tube, and a second suction channel that extends from the first suction channel toward the nozzle hole at a leading end area of the compressed air introduction tube and has a liquid suction port that expels the liquid.
Description
- This is a Continuation of International Application No. PCT/JP2012/076115 filed Oct. 9, 2012, which claims the benefit of Japanese Application No. 2011-285861, filed Dec. 27, 2011. The disclosure of the prior applications is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
- The present invention relates to nebulizers and nebulizer kits.
- Nebulizers produce aerosol by atomizing water, saline solutions, drug solutions for treating diseases in the respiratory system or the like, or liquids such as vaccines. A typical nebulizer includes a nebulizer kit that produces the aerosol. JP H6-285168A (Patent Literature 1) can be given as an example of a background art document disclosing a nebulizer kit.
- A
typical nebulizer kit 1000Z will be described hereinafter with reference toFIG. 60 .FIG. 60 is a cross-sectional view illustrating thenebulizer kit 1000Z. Thenebulizer kit 1000Z includes acase body 900, an atomizingarea formation member 920, a flowchannel formation member 930, and an atomizing area M. -
Case Body 900 - The
case body 900 is formed as a closed-ended cylinder. Anupper opening 902 is provided in an upper area of thecase body 900. A compressedair introduction tube 913 and aliquid reservoir portion 916 are provided within thecase body 900. The compressedair introduction tube 913 extends upward from a base of the case body 900 (that is, from the side on which theliquid reservoir portion 916 is located). Compressed air (not shown) is introduced into the compressedair introduction tube 913. - A
nozzle hole 915 for ejecting the compressed air is provided in anupper tip area 913 a of the compressedair introduction tube 913. Theliquid reservoir portion 916, which serves to hold a liquid W, is provided so as to surround an outer circumferential surface of the compressedair introduction tube 913 on a lower end of the compressedair introduction tube 913. - Atomizing
Area Formation Member 920 - The atomizing
area formation member 920 includes a liquid suctiontube formation area 924, abaffle portion 922, and abaffle support portion 923. The liquid suctiontube formation area 924 is formed as a cylinder. The diameter of the liquid suctiontube formation area 924 decreases as the liquid suctiontube formation area 924 progresses upward. Anopening 924 a is provided at the apex of the liquid suctiontube formation area 924. Thebaffle portion 922 has aprojection 925 located immediately above theopening 924 a. Theprojection 925 is provided as necessary. - The
baffle support portion 923 extends toward a side area of thebaffle portion 922 from an outside surface of the liquid suctiontube formation area 924. Thebaffle portion 922 and theprojection 925 face the opening 924 a with a gap provided therebetween. The atomizingarea formation member 920 is contained and disposed within thecase body 900 so that an outer surface of the compressedair introduction tube 913 is covered by the liquid suctiontube formation area 924. - Flow
Channel Formation Member 930 - The flow
channel formation member 930 is attached to thecase body 900 so as to cap anupper opening 902 in thecase body 900. The flowchannel formation member 930 includes anaerosol discharge port 932 and an outsideair introduction tube 934. Theaerosol discharge port 932 is provided in an upper area of the flowchannel formation member 930. Aerosol produced within the case body 900 (at the atomizing area M) is discharged to the exterior from theaerosol discharge port 932. The outsideair introduction tube 934 is provided so as to pass through the flowchannel formation member 930 from top to bottom. Outside air used to produce the aerosol is introduced through the outsideair introduction tube 934, from the exterior of thecase body 900 toward the interior of the case body 900 (the atomizing area M). - Atomizing Area M
-
FIG. 61 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the atomizing area M in thenebulizer kit 1000Z in an enlarged manner. The atomizing area M is formed between the baffle portion 922 (the projection 925) provided in the atomizingarea formation member 920 and thenozzle hole 915 provided in the compressed air introduction tube 913 (seeFIG. 60 ). - The compressed air introduced into the compressed
air introduction tube 913 is expelled through thenozzle hole 915 provided in theupper tip area 913 a (see an arrow AR913). After being expelled from thenozzle hole 915 toward theprojection 925, the compressed air collides with theprojection 925 and thebaffle portion 922, changes direction, and spreads out radially (see an arrow AR922). A negative pressure, where the pressure is lower than the surroundings, is produced at the atomizing area M and the vicinity thereof. - The liquid W is sucked upward to the vicinity of the atomizing area M from the
liquid reservoir portion 916 due to the negative pressure produced at the atomizing area M and the vicinity thereof (see an arrow AR915). The liquid W collides with the compressed air flowing in the direction of the arrow AR922 and breaks up as a result, changing into mist particles (fine droplets) (not shown). - These mist particles attach to the outside air introduced into the
case body 900 through the outside air introduction tube 934 (see an arrow AR934). The aerosol is produced at the atomizing area M. The aerosol swirls (see an arrow AR932) toward the aerosol discharge port 932 (seeFIG. 60 ) and is discharged to the exterior through the aerosol discharge port 932 (seeFIG. 60 ). - Patent Literature 1: JP H6-285168A
-
FIG. 62 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the atomizing area M in thenebulizer kit 1000Z in a further enlarged manner. As described above, the compressed air expelled through the nozzle hole 915 (see the arrow AR913) collides with alower end 925T of theprojection 925 and the baffle portion 922 (seeFIG. 61 ). The compressed air that has collided with thelower end 925T of theprojection 925 and so on changes direction and spreads radially (see the arrow AR922). - After breaking up the liquid W through air pressure (wind pressure), the compressed air collides with an inner circumferential surface of the baffle support portion 923 (see
FIG. 61 ) or the outside air introduction tube 934 (seeFIG. 61 ). The compressed air that has turned into aerosol swirls (see the arrow AR932 inFIG. 61 ) toward the aerosol discharge port 932 (seeFIG. 60 ) and is discharged to the exterior through the aerosol discharge port 932 (seeFIG. 60 ). - When the aerosol is produced in the
nebulizer kit 1000Z, the compressed air expelled from thenozzle hole 915 first collides with the projection 925 (an/or the baffle portion 922), then collides with the baffle support portion 923 (seeFIG. 61 ), and finally collides with the inner circumferential surface of the outside air introduction tube 934 (seeFIG. 61 ). The compressed air expelled from thenozzle hole 915 loses pressure with each of these collisions. - For the compressed air introduced into the compressed
air introduction tube 913, it is necessary to prepare compressed air that has the pressure required to produce the aerosol while also taking into consideration such a loss in pressure. Accordingly, in conventional nebulizer kits such as thenebulizer kit 1000Z, it has been necessary to use a high-capacity (high-flow rate) and large-size compressor or the like in order to generate compressed air having a high flow rate. - Having been achieved in light of the aforementioned circumstances, it is an object of the present invention to provide a nebulizer kit and a nebulizer capable of reducing pressure loss in compressed air when producing aerosol.
- A nebulizer kit according to the present invention includes: a case body, having an open upper end, and including a compressed air introduction tube, extending upward, into which compressed air is introduced and in an upper end portion of which a nozzle hole that expels the compressed air is formed, and further including a liquid reservoir portion provided surrounding an outer circumferential surface of the compressed air introduction tube at a bottom area of the compressed air introduction tube; a suction channel formation member that forms a suction channel that sucks a liquid held in the liquid reservoir portion toward the upper end portion of the compressed air introduction tube and forms an atomizing area in an exit region of the nozzle hole provided in the compressed air introduction tube by covering the outer circumferential surface of the compressed air introduction tube; and a flow channel formation member, including an aerosol discharge port that discharges an aerosol formed at the atomizing area to the exterior, that is attached to the case body so as to cover an upper opening of the case body. Here, the suction channel includes a first suction channel that extends upward along the outer circumferential surface of the compressed air introduction tube and a second suction channel that extends from the first suction channel toward the nozzle hole at a leading end area of the compressed air introduction tube and has a liquid suction port that expels the liquid that has been sucked up, the second suction channel is formed so as to pass through a portion of the flow channel formation member from an interior of the channel formation member toward a surface of the channel formation member, and a liquid collecting portion having a larger cross-sectional channel area than that of the second suction channel is provided in a region where the first suction channel and the second suction channel intersect.
- Preferably, the liquid suction port is positioned above a region in which the nozzle hole is provided when the nozzle hole is viewed from the liquid suction port.
- Preferably, the nozzle hole is formed in a circular shape, and a center line of the nozzle hole is positioned on a plane that includes the liquid suction port.
- Preferably, an opening of the liquid suction port is shaped so as to extend horizontally.
- Preferably, the nozzle hole is defined by a round, cylindrical inner circumferential surface, and the inner circumferential surface is a tapered surface that widens outward.
- A nebulizer according to the present invention includes: a main body including a compressor that discharges compressed air; a compressed air tube portion through which the compressed air discharged by the compressor is introduced; and the aforementioned nebulizer kit according to the present invention, to which one end of the compressed air tube portion is attached and that produces an aerosol.
- According to the present invention, a nebulizer kit and a nebulizer capable of reducing a loss of pressure in compressed air when producing aerosol can be provided.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a nebulizer according to a first embodiment. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a nebulizer kit according to the first embodiment. -
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the nebulizer kit according to the first embodiment. -
FIG. 4 is an exploded cross-sectional view illustrating the nebulizer kit according to the first embodiment. -
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along a V-V line shown inFIG. 1 -
FIG. 6 is a first perspective view illustrating a suction channel formation member used in the nebulizer kit according to the first embodiment. -
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view taken along a VII-VII line shown inFIG. 6 , and is a first cross-sectional perspective view illustrating the suction channel formation member used in the nebulizer kit according to the first embodiment. -
FIG. 8 is a second perspective view illustrating the suction channel formation member used in the nebulizer kit according to the first embodiment. -
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional perspective view taken along a IX-IX line shown inFIG. 8 , and is a second cross-sectional perspective view illustrating the suction channel formation member used in the nebulizer kit according to the first embodiment. -
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating the suction channel formation member used in the nebulizer kit according to the first embodiment, contained and disposed within a case body. -
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along a XI-XI line shown inFIG. 10 . -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a particle segregating portion used in the nebulizer kit according to the first embodiment. -
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an atomizing area and the vicinity thereof when aerosol is produced by the nebulizer kit according to the first embodiment. -
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state of the nebulizer kit as a whole when aerosol is produced by the nebulizer kit according to the first embodiment. -
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an atomizing area and the vicinity thereof in a nebulizer kit according to a second embodiment. -
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an atomizing area and the vicinity thereof in a nebulizer kit according to a third embodiment. -
FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating an atomizing area and the vicinity thereof in a nebulizer kit according to a fourth embodiment. -
FIG. 18 is a perspective view illustrating an atomizing area and the vicinity thereof in a nebulizer kit according to a fifth embodiment. -
FIG. 19 is a perspective view illustrating an atomizing area and the vicinity thereof in a nebulizer kit according to a sixth embodiment. -
FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an atomizing area and the vicinity thereof in a nebulizer kit according to a seventh embodiment. -
FIG. 21 is a perspective view illustrating an atomizing area and the vicinity thereof in a nebulizer kit according to an eighth embodiment. -
FIG. 22 is a perspective view illustrating an atomizing area and the vicinity thereof in a nebulizer kit according to a ninth embodiment. -
FIG. 23 is a perspective view illustrating a suction channel formation member used in a nebulizer kit according to a tenth embodiment. -
FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an atomizing area and the vicinity thereof in the nebulizer kit according to the tenth embodiment. -
FIG. 25 is a perspective view illustrating an atomizing area and the vicinity thereof in a nebulizer kit according to an eleventh embodiment. -
FIG. 26 is a perspective view illustrating a state when a suction channel formation member in the nebulizer kit according to the eleventh embodiment is attached to a case body (a compressed air introduction tube). -
FIG. 27 is a perspective view illustrating an atomizing area and the vicinity thereof in a nebulizer kit according to a twelfth embodiment. -
FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view taken along a XXVIII-XXVIII line shown inFIG. 27 . -
FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a state when aerosol is produced at an atomizing area in the nebulizer kit according to the twelfth embodiment. -
FIG. 30 is a perspective view illustrating an atomizing area and the vicinity thereof in a nebulizer kit according to a thirteenth embodiment. -
FIG. 31 is a plan view seen from the direction of an arrow XXXI shown inFIG. 30 . -
FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view taken along a XXXII-XXXII line shown inFIG. 30 . -
FIG. 33 is a perspective view illustrating an atomizing area and the vicinity thereof in a nebulizer kit according to a fourteenth embodiment. -
FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view taken along a XXXIV-XXXIV line shown inFIG. 33 . -
FIG. 35 is a perspective view illustrating an atomizing area and the vicinity thereof in a nebulizer kit according to a fifteenth embodiment. -
FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view taken along a XXXVI-XXXVI line shown inFIG. 35 . -
FIG. 37 is a perspective view illustrating a particle segregating portion used in a nebulizer kit according to a sixteenth embodiment. -
FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating the particle segregating portion used in the nebulizer kit according to the sixteenth embodiment. -
FIG. 39 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a particle segregating portion and a flow channel formation member used in a nebulizer kit according to a seventeenth embodiment. -
FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view taken along a XL-XL line shown inFIG. 39 . -
FIG. 41 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a particle segregating portion and a flow channel formation member used in a nebulizer kit according to an eighteenth embodiment. -
FIG. 42 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a particle segregating portion and a flow channel formation member used in a nebulizer kit according to a nineteenth embodiment. -
FIG. 43 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a particle segregating portion and a flow channel formation member used in a nebulizer kit according to a twentieth embodiment. -
FIG. 44 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a particle segregating portion and a flow channel formation member used in a nebulizer kit according to a twenty-first embodiment. -
FIG. 45 is a perspective view illustrating a nebulizer kit according to a twenty-second embodiment. -
FIG. 46 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the nebulizer kit according to the twenty-second embodiment. -
FIG. 47 is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating a case body and a suction channel formation member used in the nebulizer kit according to the twenty-second embodiment. -
FIG. 48 is a perspective view illustrating an upper cylinder portion of a flow channel formation member used in the nebulizer kit according to the twenty-second embodiment. -
FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating a state when a particle segregating portion used in the nebulizer kit according to the twenty-second embodiment is fixed to the upper cylinder portion of the flow channel formation member. -
FIG. 50 is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating a state when a particle segregating portion used in the nebulizer kit according to the twenty-second embodiment is fixed to a lower cylinder portion of the flow channel formation member. -
FIG. 51 is a perspective view illustrating operations of the nebulizer kit according to the twenty-second embodiment. -
FIG. 52 is a first plan view illustrating the particle segregating portion and the flow channel formation member used in the nebulizer kit according to the twenty-second embodiment. -
FIG. 53 is a second plan view illustrating the particle segregating portion and the flow channel formation member used in the nebulizer kit according to the twenty-second embodiment. -
FIG. 54 is a third plan view illustrating the particle segregating portion and the flow channel formation member used in the nebulizer kit according to the twenty-second embodiment. -
FIG. 55 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a particle segregating portion and a flow channel formation member used in a nebulizer kit according to a twenty-third embodiment. -
FIG. 56 is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating the particle segregating portion used in the nebulizer kit according to the twenty-third embodiment. -
FIG. 57 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a particle segregating portion and a flow channel formation member used in a nebulizer kit according to a twenty-fourth embodiment. -
FIG. 58 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a particle segregating portion and a flow channel formation member used in a nebulizer kit according to a twenty-fifth embodiment. -
FIG. 59 is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating the particle segregating portion used in the nebulizer kit according to the twenty-fifth embodiment. -
FIG. 60 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a typical nebulizer kit. -
FIG. 61 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an atomizing area of a typical nebulizer kit in an enlarged manner. -
FIG. 62 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the atomizing area of a typical nebulizer kit in a further enlarged manner. - Several embodiments based on the present invention will be described hereinafter with reference to the drawings. When numbers, amounts, and so on are discussed in the following embodiments, unless explicitly mentioned otherwise, the scope of the present invention is not necessarily limited to those numbers, amounts, and so on. In the embodiments, identical and corresponding components may be assigned identical reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof may be omitted. Unless otherwise specified, it is assumed from the outset that the configurations described in the respective embodiments are used in combination with each other as appropriate.
-
Nebulizer 2000 - A
nebulizer 2000 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference toFIG. 1 . Thenebulizer 2000 includes amain body 510, a tube 512 (a compressed air tube portion), anebulizer kit 1000, and amouthpiece 500. Themain body 510 includes a compressor that discharges compressed air, electrical components, and so on. Thetube 512 is flexible. One end of thetube 512 is connected to a compressedair expulsion port 511 provided in themain body 510. The other end of thetube 512 is connected to thenebulizer kit 1000. - The
mouthpiece 500 is attached to an aerosol discharge port 420 (seeFIG. 2 ) of thenebulizer kit 1000. Themouthpiece 500 is used by a user to suck aerosol into his/her nose or mouth. Themouthpiece 500 is formed in a tube shape such as that shown inFIG. 1 . Themouthpiece 500 may instead be formed in a mask shape. Themouthpiece 500 is a disposable type that for sanitary purposes is discarded after use. - When the
nebulizer kit 1000 is used, thenebulizer kit 1000 is held by the user so that a lengthwise direction of thenebulizer kit 1000 is approximately parallel to the vertical direction, as shown inFIG. 1 . An “upward” and a “downward” direction of thenebulizer kit 1000 respectively correspond to upward in the vertical direction and downward in the vertical direction relative to thenebulizer kit 1000 when used in this state (a reference orientation employed when thenebulizer kit 1000 is used). -
Nebulizer Kit 1000 -
FIG. 2 is perspective view illustrating thenebulizer kit 1000.FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating thenebulizer kit 1000.FIG. 4 is an exploded cross-sectional view illustrating thenebulizer kit 1000.FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along a V-V line shown inFIG. 2 . As shown inFIGS. 2 to 5 , thenebulizer kit 1000 includes acase body 100, a suction channel formation member 200 (seeFIGS. 3 to 5 ), a particle segregating portion 300 (seeFIGS. 3 to 5 ), and a flowchannel formation member 400. -
Case Body 100 - Referring primarily to
FIG. 4 , thecase body 100 includes acylinder portion 110, an opening 102 (an upper opening), a compressedair introduction tube 113, and aliquid reservoir portion 116, and is configured as a closed-ended cylinder overall. A lower end of thecylinder portion 110 is closed off by theliquid reservoir portion 116, whereas an upper end of thecylinder portion 110 is left open by theopening 102 provided therein. Interlocking holes 180 are provided in the vicinity of theopening 102 in thecylinder portion 110. When the flow channelfat nation member 400 is attached to thecase body 100, the interlockingholes 180 interlock with corresponding interlockingprotrusions 480 provided in the flow channel formation member 400 (seeFIGS. 2 , 3, and 5). - The compressed
air introduction tube 113 extends in a tapered form, decreasing in diameter as the compressedair introduction tube 113 progresses upward from the lower-center of thecylinder portion 110. Anozzle hole 115 is provided in anupper tip area 113 a of the compressedair introduction tube 113. Thenozzle hole 115 passes through the approximate center of aleading end surface 113 s of theupper tip area 113 a. - The tube 512 (see
FIG. 1 ) is attached to a lower leading end area of the compressedair introduction tube 113. The compressor provided in themain body 510 of the nebulizer 2000 (seeFIG. 1 ) introduces compressed air into the compressedair introduction tube 113 through the compressed air expulsion port 511 (seeFIG. 1 ) and the tube 512 (seeFIG. 1 ). The compressed air introduced into the compressedair introduction tube 113 is ejected toward the interior of thecase body 100 from thenozzle hole 115. - The
liquid reservoir portion 116 is provided so as to surround an outercircumferential surface 113 b of the compressedair introduction tube 113 on a lower end of the compressedair introduction tube 113. Theliquid reservoir portion 116 temporarily holds a liquid W such as water, a saline solution, a drug solution for treating respiratory system conditions or the like, a vaccine, or the like. - Suction
Channel Formation Member 200 -
FIG. 6 is a first perspective view illustrating the suctionchannel formation member 200, and illustrates the overall configuration of the suctionchannel formation member 200 from above at an angle.FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view taken along a VII-VII line shown inFIG. 6 , and is a first cross-sectional perspective view illustrating the suctionchannel formation member 200.FIG. 7 illustrates the internal structure of the suctionchannel formation member 200 from above at an angle.FIG. 8 is a second perspective view illustrating the suctionchannel formation member 200, and illustrates the overall configuration of the suctionchannel formation member 200 from below at an angle.FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional perspective view taken along a IX-IX line shown inFIG. 8 , and is a second cross-sectional view illustrating the suctionchannel formation member 200.FIG. 9 illustrates the internal structure of the suctionchannel formation member 200 from below at an angle. - As shown in
FIGS. 6 to 9 , the suctionchannel formation member 200 includes acylinder portion 210, a suction channel formation portion 220 (seeFIGS. 7 to 9 ), an opening 230 (seeFIGS. 6 and 7 ), an opening 235 (seeFIGS. 8 and 9 ), aliquid suction port 240, and a plate-shapedgripping portion 250. - The
cylinder portion 210 is formed as a circular cylinder in a tapered shape, with the diameter thereof decreasing as thecylinder portion 210 progresses upward. Theopening 230 is formed in an apex of thecylinder portion 210. Theopening 235 is formed in a base area of thecylinder portion 210. The shape of an innercircumferential surface 210 a of thecylinder portion 210 corresponds to the shape of the outercircumferential surface 113 b of the compressedair introduction tube 113 provided in the case body 100 (seeFIG. 5 ). - An expanded
portion 241 formed in a half-circular column shape is provided on anupper end surface 232 of thecylinder portion 210. A liquid suctionport formation member 243 that projects in a circular column shape is provided in anend surface 242 of the expandedportion 241. The liquid suctionport formation member 243 projects in a direction perpendicular relative to theend surface 242. The plate-shapedgripping portion 250 is provided so as to extend outward in the normal direction of thecylinder portion 210 from an outer surface of thecylinder portion 210. The plate-shapedgripping portion 250 includes aplate portion 251 and aprotrusion 252. Theprotrusion 252 is provided above theplate portion 251 as an integral part of theplate portion 251, and projects further upward than the surface of the apex of the expandedportion 241. - The suction
channel formation portion 220 is formed having an overall approximate L shape. The suctionchannel formation portion 220 is provided in the innercircumferential surface 210 a of thecylinder portion 210 as an indentation that extends approximately linearly from theopening 235 toward theopening 230, and is provided so as to pass through the interior of the expandedportion 241 and the liquid suctionport formation member 243. - A leading end in the extension direction of the suction
channel formation portion 220 that passes through the liquid suctionport formation member 243 reaches the surface of the liquid suctionport formation member 243. Theliquid suction port 240 is formed in a leading end portion of the suctionchannel formation portion 220 that reaches the surface of the liquid suctionport formation member 243. The diameter of theliquid suction port 240 is no less than 0.45 mm and no more than 0.5 mm, for example. -
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating a state in which the suctionchannel formation member 200 is contained and disposed within thecase body 100.FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along a XI-XI line shown inFIG. 10 . - As shown in
FIGS. 10 and 11 , the suctionchannel formation member 200 is contained and disposed within thecase body 100 so that the outercircumferential surface 113 b of the compressedair introduction tube 113 is covered by thecylinder portion 210. When the suctionchannel formation member 200 is contained and disposed within thecase body 100, theupper tip area 113 a of the compressedair introduction tube 113 is exposed from theopening 230 in the suctionchannel formation member 200. - As shown in
FIG. 11 , thenozzle hole 115 and theliquid suction port 240 are provided so that a center line of thenozzle hole 115 and a center line of theliquid suction port 240 are approximately orthogonal to each other. The innercircumferential surface 210 a of thecylinder portion 210 and the outercircumferential surface 113 b of the compressedair introduction tube 113 are essentially in tight contact with each other, aside from an area of the innercircumferential surface 210 a of thecylinder portion 210 where the suctionchannel formation portion 220 is provided. - A suction channel 221 (a first suction channel) is formed between the suction
channel formation portion 220 and the outercircumferential surface 113 b of the compressedair introduction tube 113. Thesuction channel 221 extends upward, from the side on which theliquid reservoir portion 116 is located (seeFIG. 10 ) toward thenozzle hole 115, along the outercircumferential surface 113 b of the compressedair introduction tube 113. - A suction channel 222 (a second suction channel) is formed so as to connect with an upper end of the
suction channel 221. In the present embodiment, thesuction channel 222 extends in a direction orthogonal to the upper end of thesuction channel 221. At the leading end of the compressedair introduction tube 113, thesuction channel 222 extends from the upper end of thesuction channel 221 toward thenozzle hole 115, approximately orthogonally to the direction of a center axis of thenozzle hole 115. Theliquid suction port 240 is formed in a leading end area of thesuction channel 222. In the present embodiment, theliquid suction port 240 does not overlap with thenozzle hole 115, and is instead disposed slightly back from thenozzle hole 115. -
Particle Segregating Portion 300 -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating theparticle segregating portion 300. Theparticle segregating portion 300 is generally configured in an approximately cylindrical shape that extends upward from below while decreasing in diameter. Theparticle segregating portion 300 includes alower cylinder portion 310, anupper cylinder portion 320, acenter shaft portion 330, and fourblade portions 340. Thelower cylinder portion 310 is disposed coaxially with theupper cylinder portion 320. The diameter of thelower cylinder portion 310 is greater than the diameter of theupper cylinder portion 320. - The four
blade portions 340 are provided between thecenter shaft portion 330, which is located in the center of theupper cylinder portion 320, and the inner circumferential surface of theupper cylinder portion 320. The fourblade portions 340 are formed having essentially the same plate shape. The fourblade portions 340 are disposed so as to be separated from each other by 90°. The fourblade portions 340 curve in a twisting manner from a lower area of theupper cylinder portion 320 toward an upper area of theupper cylinder portion 320. The fourblade portions 340 are disposed in an overall screw shape. The fourblade portions 340 occupy a space between the atomizing area M and theaerosol discharge port 420 in a fan shape. - Referring again to
FIGS. 4 and 5 , theparticle segregating portion 300 is disposed above the suctionchannel formation member 200 that is in turn disposed within thecase body 100. A lower end of theparticle segregating portion 300 makes contact with an upper end of theprotrusion 252 of the suctionchannel formation member 200. Theupper cylinder portion 320 of theparticle segregating portion 300 is fixed to an inner side of acentral cylinder portion 412 of the flowchannel formation member 400, which will be described next (seeFIG. 5 ). - Fixing the flow
channel formation member 400 to thecase body 100 positions theparticle segregating portion 300. The suctionchannel formation member 200 is fixed to thecase body 100 as a result of the lower end of the positionedparticle segregating portion 300 and the upper end of theprotrusion 252 of the suctionchannel formation member 200 making contact with each other. Vertical movement of the suctionchannel formation member 200 relative to thecase body 100 is limited as a result of this fixing. - Flow
Channel Formation Member 400 - Referring again to
FIGS. 3 to 5 , the flowchannel formation member 400 is attached to thecase body 100 so as to cover theopening 102 of thecase body 100. The flowchannel formation member 400 includes alower cylinder portion 410, thecentral cylinder portion 412, anupper cylinder portion 414, theaerosol discharge port 420, an outsideair introduction port 430, and the interlockingprotrusions 480. - The
lower cylinder portion 410 is disposed coaxially with thecentral cylinder portion 412 and theupper cylinder portion 414. The diameter of thecentral cylinder portion 412 is greater than the diameter of theupper cylinder portion 414. The diameter of thelower cylinder portion 410 is greater than the diameter of thecentral cylinder portion 412. The flowchannel formation member 400 is generally configured in an approximately cylindrical shape that extends upward from below while decreasing in diameter. - The
aerosol discharge port 420 is formed on the inner side of theupper cylinder portion 414. The outsideair introduction port 430 is provided in an area where thelower cylinder portion 410 and thecentral cylinder portion 412 are connected to each other (seeFIG. 3 ). The interlockingprotrusions 480 are provided in the vicinity of a lower end of thelower cylinder portion 410. As described above, when the flowchannel formation member 400 is attached to thecase body 100, the interlockingprotrusions 480 interlock with corresponding interlockingholes 180 provided in the case body 100 (seeFIGS. 2 , 3, and 5). Theupper cylinder portion 320 of theparticle segregating portion 300 is fixed to an inner side of the central cylinder portion 412 (seeFIG. 5 ). - Operations of
Nebulizer Kit 1000 - Operations of the
nebulizer kit 1000 will be described with reference toFIGS. 13 and 14 .FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the atomizing area M and the vicinity thereof when aerosol is produced by the nebulizer kit 1000 (seeFIG. 2 ).FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state of thenebulizer kit 1000 as a whole when aerosol is produced by thenebulizer kit 1000. - As shown in
FIG. 13 , the atomizing area M is formed at an exit region R115 of thenozzle hole 115 provided in the compressed air introduction tube 113 (a region where the center axis of thenozzle hole 115 provided in the compressedair introduction tube 113 intersects with the center axis of theliquid suction port 240 provided in the suction channel formation member 200) and in the vicinity of the exit region R115. - The compressed air introduced into the compressed
air introduction tube 113 is expelled through thenozzle hole 115 provided in theupper tip area 113 a (see an arrow AR113). A negative pressure, where the pressure is lower than the surroundings, is produced at the atomizing area M and the vicinity thereof as a result of the compressed air being expelled toward the exit region 8115 from thenozzle hole 115. - The liquid W (see
FIG. 14 ) is sucked upward, through thesuction channel 221 and thesuction channel 222, to the vicinity of the atomizing area M from the liquid reservoir portion 116 (seeFIG. 14 ) due to the negative pressure produced at the atomizing area M and the vicinity thereof (see an arrow AR220 inFIG. 13 ). The liquid W is gradually discharged toward the atomizing area M from theliquid suction port 240. A small amount of the liquid W discharged from theliquid suction port 240 collides with the compressed air flowing in the direction of the arrow AR113 and breaks up at the atomizing area M, changing into mist particles (fine droplets) (not shown). - Referring to
FIG. 14 , these mist particles attach to the outside air introduced into thecase body 100 through the outside air introduction port 430 (see an arrow AR430). The aerosol is produced at the atomizing area M. The aerosol moves toward theaerosol discharge port 420 through the interior of theparticle segregating portion 300. - In the present embodiment, the
blade portions 340 of theparticle segregating portion 300 are disposed between the atomizing area M and theaerosol discharge port 420. Large (for example, a diameter of 10 μm or greater) particles of the aerosol moving toward theaerosol discharge port 420 from the atomizing area M adhere to the surfaces of theblade portions 340. Aerosol having desired particle diameters (for example, greater than or equal to 2 μm and less than 10 μm) segregated by theblade portions 340 is then discharged to the exterior through theaerosol discharge port 420. The aerosol is then sucked into the nose or mouth of the user through the mouthpiece 500 (seeFIG. 1 ). - Actions and Effects
- When the aerosol is produced in the
nebulizer kit 1000, the compressed air expelled from thenozzle hole 115 makes contact with the liquid W discharged from theliquid suction port 240 while continuing to flow in a linear manner (see the arrow AR113 inFIGS. 13 and 14 ). Unlike thenebulizer kit 1000Z described earlier (seeFIGS. 60 to 62 ), the compressed air expelled from thenozzle hole 115 is used in the production of aerosol without first making contact with other members or swirling greatly. Thus the compressed air introduced into the compressedair introduction tube 113 loses almost no pressure when producing the aerosol. - It is thus necessary to prepare compressed air at a lower flow rate in the
nebulizer kit 1000 than in thenebulizer kit 1000Z in order to produce aerosol having the same quantity of mist in thenebulizer kit 1000 and thenebulizer kit 1000Z. Thenebulizer kit 1000 uses the compressed air efficiently when producing the aerosol, and thus a compressor whose capacity (flow rate) and overall size are lower than that of thenebulizer kit 1000Z can be used. Accordingly, thenebulizer kit 1000 not only can be manufactured cheaply, but also can reduce the amount of energy consumed to produce the aerosol. - The
nebulizer kit 1000 can be broken down into individual components and thus the individual components can be cleaned with ease. In thenebulizer kit 1000, the plate-shapedgripping portion 250 is provided in the suctionchannel formation member 200. The suctionchannel formation member 200 is prevented from being lost during cleaning by using the plate-shapedgripping portion 250. - In the suction
channel formation member 200, the direction in which thesuction channel 222 extends and the position in which theliquid suction port 240 is provided are on the opposite side from the direction in which the plate-shapedgripping portion 250 extends. Thus the spray of the aerosol produced at the atomizing area M is not inhibited by the plate-shapedgripping portion 250. - In the
nebulizer kit 1000, the lower end of theparticle segregating portion 300 makes contact with the upper end of theprotrusion 252 of the suction channel formation member 200 (seeFIG. 5 ). Vertical movement of the suctionchannel formation member 200 relative to thecase body 100 is fixed (that is, the suctionchannel formation member 200 is positioned). Thus the suctionchannel formation member 200 is securely prevented from being pushed upward by the compressed air expelled from thenozzle hole 115. The aerosol can thus be produced continuously at the atomizing area M. - The
nebulizer kit 1000 may be configured so that the suctionchannel formation member 200 is not fixed to thecase body 100 in a rotation direction and the suctionchannel formation member 200 can freely rotate around the compressedair introduction tube 113 relative to thecase body 100. In this case, in the case where thenebulizer kit 1000 is tilted, the suctionchannel formation member 200 rotates under the weight of the plate-shapedgripping portion 250 so that the plate-shapedgripping portion 250 is positioned downward in a gravitational direction. A lower end of thesuction channel 221 can be continuously submerged in the liquid W held in theliquid reservoir portion 116. Thus thesuction channel 221 can continually suck up the liquid W even in the case where thenebulizer kit 1000 is tilted. - As described above, the
particle segregating portion 300 is fixed to the flow channel formation member 400 (the central cylinder portion 412). When the flowchannel formation member 400 is removed from thecase body 100, theparticle segregating portion 300 and the flowchannel formation member 400 are removed as well. Theparticle segregating portion 300 and the flowchannel formation member 400 of thenebulizer kit 1000 are thus convenient when breaking down and cleaning those members. - In the
particle segregating portion 300, theblade portions 340 are provided on the inner side of theupper cylinder portion 320. Theblade portions 340 are positioned toward one side (end) of theparticle segregating portion 300 in the lengthwise direction thereof. Theblade portions 340 can be cleaned easily. In addition, the diameter of theparticle segregating portion 300 decreases as theparticle segregating portion 300 progresses from thelower cylinder portion 310 toward theupper cylinder portion 320. Theparticle segregating portion 300 can effectively segregate particles. Although the main purpose of theparticle segregating portion 300 is to segregate aerosol particles based on the particle diameters, there are cases where particles having the required diameters can be obtained without using theparticle segregating portion 300. In this case, it is preferable to use thenebulizer kit 1000 with theparticle segregating portion 300 removed. For example, in the case where particles (aerosol) 15 μm in diameter are required, and particles (aerosol) 15 μm in diameter are produced at the atomizing area M, it is preferable to use thenebulizer kit 1000 with theparticle segregating portion 300 removed. - The present embodiment will be described with reference to
FIG. 15 . A nebulizer kit according to the present embodiment includes a suctionchannel formation member 200A instead of the suction channel formation member 200 (seeFIG. 13 and so on) according to the aforementioned first embodiment. - As described above, the
liquid suction port 240 of the suction channel formation member 200 (seeFIG. 13 and so on) does not overlap with thenozzle hole 115, and is instead disposed slightly back from thenozzle hole 115. However, in the suctionchannel formation member 200A, theliquid suction port 240 is positioned above the region in which thenozzle hole 115 is provided when thenozzle hole 115 is viewed from theliquid suction port 240. - The position of the
liquid suction port 240 is closer to thenozzle hole 115 in the suctionchannel formation member 200A than in the suction channel formation member 200 (seeFIG. 13 and so on). It is easier for a negative pressure to be produced at the atomizing area M in the suctionchannel formation member 200A than in the suction channel formation member 200 (seeFIG. 13 and so on). Accordingly, a lower flow of compressed air introduced into the compressedair introduction tube 113 can be achieved in the suctionchannel formation member 200A than in the suction channel formation member 200 (seeFIG. 13 and so on). - In the case where the
nozzle hole 115 is formed in a circular shape (to rephrase, in the case where thenozzle hole 115 is formed from a circular column-shaped space), acenter line 115 c of thenozzle hole 115 may be positioned on a plane that includes theliquid suction port 240. In this case, a leadingend area 243T of the liquid suctionport formation member 243 and thecenter line 115 c of thenozzle hole 115 are positioned in the same plane. - It is preferable for a position of the
liquid suction port 240 relative to the nozzle hole 115 (that is, a distance between theliquid suction port 240 and the nozzle hole 115) to be optimized in accordance with the flow amount and so on of the compressed air introduced into the compressedair introduction tube 113 in order to more efficiently produce the aerosol at the atomizing area M. According to experimental results, a comparatively high amount of compressed air results in more aerosol being produced when more than half of thenozzle hole 115 is exposed. On the other hand, a comparatively low amount of compressed air results in more aerosol being produced when essentially half of thenozzle hole 115 is exposed. - The present embodiment will be described with reference to
FIG. 16 . A nebulizer kit according to the present embodiment includes a suctionchannel formation member 200B instead of the suctionchannel formation member 200A (seeFIG. 15 and so on) according to the aforementioned second embodiment. - In the suction
channel formation member 200B, aliquid collecting portion 260 having a larger cross-sectional channel area than thesuction channel 222 is provided in a region where thesuction channel 221 and thesuction channel 222 intersect (an intersecting region). - The liquid W that has been sucked upward under the negative pressure reaches the
liquid collecting portion 260 after passing through thesuction channel 221. After first collecting in theliquid collecting portion 260, the liquid W is discharged from theliquid suction port 240 through thesuction channel 222. By providing theliquid collecting portion 260, the liquid W can be discharged from theliquid suction port 240 continuously in a stable manner without interruption. - The present embodiment will be described with reference to
FIG. 17 . A nebulizer kit according to the present embodiment includes a suction channel formation member 200C instead of the suction channel formation member 200 (seeFIG. 10 and so on) according to the aforementioned first embodiment. - In the suction channel formation member 200C, the
liquid suction port 240 is formed having a rounded slot shape. The opening of theliquid suction port 240 is shaped so as to extend parallel to theleading end surface 113 s of the compressed air introduction tube 113 (that is, horizontally). Theliquid suction port 240 may be formed so that the shape of the opening thereof intersects with the center axis of thenozzle hole 115 at a right angle. - The liquid W that has been sucked upward under the negative pressure is discharged from the
liquid suction port 240. The liquid W discharged from theliquid suction port 240 spreads out in the horizontal direction and makes contact with the compressed air expelled from thenozzle hole 115 as a thin liquid film. - A small amount of the liquid W that has become a liquid film gradually makes contact with the compressed air expelled from the
nozzle hole 115. The liquid W is more easily broken up by the compressed air expelled from thenozzle hole 115, and thus an improvement in the misting efficiency is achieved. - The present embodiment will be described with reference to
FIG. 18 . A nebulizer kit according to the present embodiment includes a suctionchannel formation member 200D instead of the suction channel formation member 200 (seeFIG. 10 and so on) according to the aforementioned first embodiment. - In the suction
channel formation member 200D, a plurality ofliquid suction ports 240 are provided. The plurality ofliquid suction ports 240 are arranged in a row parallel to theleading end surface 113 s of the compressed air introduction tube 113 (that is, horizontally). The plurality ofliquid suction ports 240 may be arranged in a row that intersects with the center axis of thenozzle hole 115 at a right angle. - The liquid W that has been sucked upward under the negative pressure is discharged from each of the plurality of
liquid suction ports 240. The amount of the liquid W discharged from each individualliquid suction port 240 is lower than in the suctionchannel formation member 200 according to the aforementioned first embodiment. The small amount of liquid W discharged from each individualliquid suction port 240 makes contact with the compressed air expelled from thenozzle hole 115. - The small amount of liquid W discharged from each individual
liquid suction port 240 gradually makes contact with the compressed air expelled from thenozzle hole 115. The liquid W is more easily broken up by the compressed air expelled from thenozzle hole 115, and thus an improvement in the misting efficiency is achieved. - The present embodiment will be described with reference to
FIG. 19 . A nebulizer kit according to the present embodiment includes a suctionchannel formation member 200E instead of the suction channel formation member 200 (seeFIG. 10 and so on) according to the aforementioned first embodiment. - In the suction
channel formation member 200E, theliquid suction port 240 is formed having a W shape. The liquid W that has been sucked upward under the negative pressure is gradually discharged from the narrow area at the lower end of theliquid suction port 240. The amount of the liquid W discharged from theliquid suction port 240 is lower than in the suctionchannel formation member 200 according to the aforementioned first embodiment. The small amount of liquid W discharged from theliquid suction port 240 makes contact with the compressed air expelled from thenozzle hole 115. - The small amount of liquid W discharged from the
liquid suction port 240 gradually makes contact with the compressed air expelled from thenozzle hole 115. The liquid W is more easily broken up by the compressed air expelled from thenozzle hole 115, and thus an improvement in the misting efficiency is achieved. The same actions and effects as in the present embodiment can also be achieved in the case where theliquid suction port 240 is formed in a V shape, an M shape, or the like. - The present embodiment will be described with reference to
FIG. 20 . A nebulizer kit according to the present embodiment includes acase body 100A instead of the case body 100 (seeFIG. 16 and so on) according to the aforementioned third embodiment. The configuration of thecase body 100A described hereinafter can also be applied in the first embodiment (seeFIG. 10 ), the second embodiment (seeFIG. 15 ), the fourth embodiment (seeFIG. 17 ), the fifth embodiment (seeFIG. 18 ), and the sixth embodiment (seeFIG. 19 ). - In the
case body 100A, thenozzle hole 115, which is defined by a round, cylindrical inner circumferential surface, is configured as a tapered surface that widens outward. The diameter of thenozzle hole 115 gradually increases following the direction in which the compressed air flows. A loss of pressure in the compressed air decreases as the compressed air introduced into the compressedair introduction tube 113 passes through thenozzle hole 115. The compressed air is used more efficiently when producing the aerosol, and thus a compressor whose capacity (flow rate) and overall size are lower can be used. - The present embodiment will be described with reference to
FIG. 21 . A nebulizer kit according to the present embodiment includes acase body 100B instead of the case body 100 (seeFIG. 10 and so on) according to the aforementioned first embodiment. The configuration of thecase body 100B described hereinafter can also be applied in the second embodiment (seeFIG. 15 ), the third embodiment (seeFIG. 16 ), the fourth embodiment (seeFIG. 17 ), the fifth embodiment (seeFIG. 18 ), and the sixth embodiment (seeFIG. 19 ). - In the
case body 100B, thenozzle hole 115 is formed having rounded slot shape. The opening of thenozzle hole 115 is shaped so as to extend orthogonally (that is, horizontally) to the direction of the center axis of the liquid suction port 240 (thesuction channel 222 inFIG. 11 ). The compressed air expands in the horizontal direction and is thus expelled from thenozzle hole 115 in a flat (rectangular parallelepiped) shape. - The liquid W that has been sucked upward under the negative pressure is discharged from the
liquid suction port 240. The liquid W discharged from theliquid suction port 240 makes contact with the compressed air expelled in an approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape. The liquid W makes contact with the compressed air across a wide range. The liquid W is more easily broken up by the compressed air expelled from thenozzle hole 115, and thus an improvement in the misting efficiency is achieved. - The present embodiment will be described with reference to
FIG. 22 . A nebulizer kit according to the present embodiment includes a case body 100C instead of the case body 100 (seeFIG. 10 and so on) according to the aforementioned first embodiment. The configuration of the case body 100C described hereinafter can also be applied in the second embodiment (seeFIG. 15 ), the third embodiment (seeFIG. 16 ), the fourth embodiment (seeFIG. 17 ), the fifth embodiment (seeFIG. 18 ), and the sixth embodiment (seeFIG. 19 ). - In the case body 100C, a plurality of nozzle holes 115 are provided. The plurality of nozzle holes 115 are arranged in a row that extends orthogonally (that is, horizontally) to the direction of the center axis of the liquid suction port 240 (the
suction channel 222 inFIG. 11 ). - The liquid W that has been sucked upward under the negative pressure is discharged from the
liquid suction port 240. The liquid W discharged from theliquid suction port 240 makes contact with the compressed air expelled from each of the plurality of nozzle holes 115. The liquid W makes contact with the compressed air across a wide range. The liquid W is more easily broken up by the compressed air expelled from thenozzle hole 115, and thus an improvement in the misting efficiency is achieved. - The present embodiment will be described with reference to
FIGS. 23 and 24 . A nebulizer kit according to the present embodiment includes a suctionchannel formation member 200F instead of the suction channel formation member 200 (seeFIGS. 6 , 7, and so on) according to the aforementioned first embodiment. The configuration of the suctionchannel formation member 200F described hereinafter can also be applied in the second embodiment (seeFIG. 15 ), the third embodiment (seeFIG. 16 ), the fourth embodiment (seeFIG. 17 ), the fifth embodiment (seeFIG. 18 ), the sixth embodiment (seeFIG. 19 ), the seventh embodiment (seeFIG. 20 ), the eighth embodiment (seeFIG. 21 ), and the ninth embodiment (seeFIG. 22 ). - In the suction
channel formation member 200 according to the first embodiment (seeFIGS. 6 , 7, and so on), the suctionchannel formation portion 220 is provided in the innercircumferential surface 210 a of thecylinder portion 210 as an indentation that extends approximately linearly from theopening 235 toward theopening 230, and is provided so as to pass through the interior of the expandedportion 241 and the liquid suctionport formation member 243. - However, as shown in
FIGS. 23 and 24 , in the suctionchannel formation member 200F according to the present embodiment, the suctionchannel formation portion 220 is provided as an overall groove-shaped indentation and is not configured to pass through the liquid suctionport formation member 243. The liquid suctionport formation member 243 is formed in a U shape. - The suction
channel formation member 200F is also contained and disposed within thecase body 100 so that the outercircumferential surface 113 b of the compressedair introduction tube 113 is covered by thecylinder portion 210. Thesuction channel 221 is formed along the outercircumferential surface 113 b of the compressedair introduction tube 113. Thesuction channel 222 is formed so as to follow theleading end surface 113 s of the compressedair introduction tube 113. The same actions and effects as described in the first embodiment can be achieved by the suctionchannel formation member 200F as well. - The present embodiment will be described with reference to
FIGS. 25 and 26 . A nebulizer kit according to the present embodiment includes a suctionchannel formation member 200G instead of the suction channel formation member 200 (seeFIGS. 6 , 7, and so on) according to the aforementioned first embodiment, and includes acase body 100D instead of the case body 100 (seeFIG. 10 and so on) according to the aforementioned first embodiment. - Like the suction
channel formation member 200F in the aforementioned tenth embodiment (seeFIGS. 23 and 24 ), the suction channel formation portion 220 (seeFIG. 26 ) in the suctionchannel formation member 200G is provided as an overall groove-shaped indentation and is not configured to pass through the liquid suctionport formation member 243. The liquid suctionport formation member 243 is formed in a U shape. - In the
case body 100D, aplatform 143 having anindentation 144 is provided in theleading end surface 113 s of theupper tip area 113 a. The suctionchannel formation member 200G is attached to thecase body 100D (the compressed air introduction tube 113) as indicated by an arrow inFIG. 26 . Theplatform 143 is fitted into aninner side 244 of the liquid suctionport formation member 243. The liquid suction port 240 (seeFIG. 25 ) is formed by theindentation 144 in theplatform 143 and theinner side 244 of the liquid suctionport formation member 243. The same actions and effects as described in the first embodiment can be achieved by the suctionchannel formation member 200G and thecase body 100D as well. - The present embodiment will be described with reference to
FIGS. 27 to 29 .FIG. 27 is a perspective view illustrating an atomizing area and the vicinity thereof in a nebulizer kit according to the present embodiment.FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view taken along a XXVIII-XXVIII line shown inFIG. 27 .FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a state when aerosol is produced at the atomizing area in the nebulizer kit according to the present embodiment. - The nebulizer kit according to the present embodiment includes a suction
channel formation member 200H instead of the suction channel formation member 200 (seeFIGS. 6 , 7, and so on) according to the aforementioned first embodiment. The configuration of the suctionchannel formation member 200H described hereinafter can also be applied in the second embodiment (seeFIG. 15 ), the third embodiment (seeFIG. 16 ), the fourth embodiment (seeFIG. 17 ), the fifth embodiment (seeFIG. 18 ), the sixth embodiment (seeFIG. 19 ), the seventh embodiment (seeFIG. 20 ), the eighth embodiment (seeFIG. 21 ), and the ninth embodiment (seeFIG. 22 ). - As shown in
FIGS. 27 and 28 , in the suctionchannel formation member 200H, a leading end surface of the liquid suctionport formation member 243 provided so as to protrude from theend surface 242 of the expandedportion 241 is sloped. An upper slopedsurface region 270 that slopes toward thesuction channel 221 as the region progresses upward is provided in an upper area of theliquid suction port 240. An angle of slope α of the upper slopedsurface region 270 relative to the center axis of thenozzle hole 115 is set to be, for example, no less than 20° and no more than 45°. The angle of slope α is set to 35° from the standpoint of improving the misting efficiency. - As shown in
FIG. 28 , the leadingend area 243T of the liquid suctionport formation member 243 is disposed so as to follow the inner circumferential surface of the end of the nozzle hole 115 (that is, so as to make contact with an outer edge of the nozzle hole 115). Like the aforementioned case described with reference toFIG. 15 (the second embodiment), the leadingend area 243T may be disposed so as to match the center line of the nozzle hole 115 (thecenter line 115 c inFIG. 15 ). - As shown in
FIGS. 27 and 28 , two expandedportions 246 are provided in theend surface 242 of the expandedportion 241. The expandedportions 246 are disposed so as to enclose theupper tip area 113 a from both outer sides of theupper tip area 113 a. As shown inFIG. 28 , in the present embodiment, a leading end surface of the expandedportions 246 and theleading end area 243T of the liquid suctionport formation member 243 are located in the same plane. - Actions and Effects
- With reference to
FIG. 29 , in the suctionchannel formation member 200H, the upper slopedsurface region 270 is provided above theliquid suction port 240. Theliquid suction port 240 and the upper slopedsurface region 270 are sloped so as to gradually recede away from a channel along which the compressed air expelled from thenozzle hole 115 progresses (see the arrow AR113). Because theliquid suction port 240 is sloped (to rephrase, because theliquid suction port 240 is formed so as to recede from thenozzle hole 115 progressively as theliquid suction port 240 progresses upward), the amount of liquid W supplied can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the slope of theliquid suction port 240. For example, the amount of liquid W supplied can be reduced to an optimal value by increasing the slope of the liquid suction port 240 (that is, increasing the value of the angle of slope α). By optimizing the slope of theliquid suction port 240, the compressed air expelled from thenozzle hole 115 can be used to break up the liquid W with the highest energy efficiency as possible. In addition, because theliquid suction port 240 is sloped, the compressed air expelled from thenozzle hole 115 can be securely suppressed from entering into theliquid suction port 240. Therefore, according to the suctionchannel formation member 200H, the energy usage efficiency when atomizing the liquid W can be improved further. - In the present embodiment, a sloped surface 272 is also provided below the
liquid suction port 240. The upper slopedsurface region 270, theliquid suction port 240, and the sloped surface 272 slope toward thenozzle hole 115 along the same direction. The liquid W discharged from theliquid suction port 240 turns into a droplet W1 and slides down along the sloped surface 272 (see an arrow AR272). The droplet W1 gradually advances into a region above thenozzle hole 115, starting with the area of the droplet W1 on the front thereof in the direction of the slide, and then makes contact with the compressed air. The droplet W1 is then broken up, starting with the area of the droplet W1 on the front thereof in the direction of the slide, due to the contact with the compressed air. - By providing the sloped surface 272 below the
liquid suction port 240, small amounts of the droplet W1 are consecutively supplied to the compressed air expelled from thenozzle hole 115. The liquid W (the droplet W1) is more easily broken up by the compressed air expelled from thenozzle hole 115, and thus an improvement in the misting efficiency is achieved. - In order to reduce the size of the droplet W1, it is preferable for the sloped surface 272 (that is, a region of the suction
channel formation member 200 located between theliquid suction port 240 and the nozzle hole 115) to be more hydrophilic than the other regions of the suctionchannel formation member 200H where the sloped surface 272 is provided. Reducing the size of the droplet W1 makes it possible to obtain smaller particles when the droplet W1 is broken up. Coating the sloped surface 272 with a hydrophilic liquid, providing fine non-planarities in the sloped surface 272, and so on may be used to increase the hydrophilic properties of the sloped surface 272. - Providing the upper sloped
surface region 270 above theliquid suction port 240 increases the size of a space for dispersing aerosol W2 produced when the droplet W1 breaks up. Thus the aerosol W2 can be produced in a broader space (atomizing area M). - It is preferable for the angle of slope α of the upper sloped
surface region 270 relative to the center axis of thenozzle hole 115 to be optimized in accordance with the flow amount and so on of the compressed air introduced into the compressedair introduction tube 113 in order to more efficiently produce the aerosol at the atomizing area M. - The present embodiment will be described with reference to
FIGS. 30 to 32 .FIG. 30 is a perspective view illustrating an atomizing area and the vicinity thereof in a nebulizer kit according to the present embodiment.FIG. 31 is a plan view illustrating acase body 100 and the like as viewed from the direction of an arrow XXXI shown inFIG. 30 .FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view taken along a XXXII-XXXII line shown inFIG. 30 . - The nebulizer kit according to the present embodiment includes a suction
channel formation member 200J instead of the suctionchannel formation member 200H (seeFIG. 27 and so on) according to the aforementioned twelfth embodiment. The configuration of the suctionchannel formation member 200J described hereinafter can also be applied in the first embodiment (seeFIG. 10 ), the second embodiment (seeFIG. 15 ), the third embodiment (seeFIG. 16 ), the fourth embodiment (seeFIG. 17 ), the fifth embodiment (seeFIG. 18 ), the sixth embodiment (seeFIG. 19 ), the seventh embodiment (seeFIG. 20 ), the eighth embodiment (seeFIG. 21 ), and the ninth embodiment (seeFIG. 22 ). - As shown in
FIG. 30 , in the suctionchannel formation member 200J, a lower slopedsurface region 280 that slopes in the direction of the suction channel 221 (seeFIG. 32 ) as the region progresses downward is provided below theliquid suction port 240. A lower end area of the lower slopedsurface region 280 is disposed so as to make contact with an outer edge of thenozzle hole 115. - As shown in
FIGS. 31 and 32 , the leadingend area 243T of the liquid suctionport formation member 243 is located in an area where the upper slopedsurface region 270 and the lower slopedsurface region 280 intersect (seeFIG. 32 ). The sloped surface 272 according to the aforementioned twelfth embodiment (seeFIG. 29 ) may furthermore be provided between the lower slopedsurface region 280 and theliquid suction port 240. When thenozzle hole 115 is viewed from theliquid suction port 240, the leadingend area 243T of the liquid suctionport formation member 243 is positioned in the center of thenozzle hole 115. - According to the suction
channel formation member 200J, the direction in which the compressed air expelled from thenozzle hole 115 advances gradually changes along the lower slopedsurface region 280, spreading in a direction moving away from theliquid suction port 240. The compressed air expelled from thenozzle hole 115 can be securely suppressed from entering into theliquid suction port 240. Therefore, according to the suctionchannel formation member 200J, the usage efficiency of the compressed air is high when producing the aerosol. - The present embodiment will be described with reference to
FIGS. 33 and 34 .FIG. 33 is a perspective view illustrating an atomizing area and the vicinity thereof in a nebulizer kit according to the present embodiment.FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view taken along a XXXIV-XXXIV line shown inFIG. 33 . - A nebulizer kit according to the present embodiment includes a suction
channel formation member 200K instead of the suction channel formation member 2007 (seeFIG. 30 and so on) according to the aforementioned thirteenth embodiment. The configuration of the suctionchannel formation member 200K described hereinafter can also be applied in the first embodiment (seeFIG. 10 ), the second embodiment (seeFIG. 15 ), the third embodiment (seeFIG. 16 ), the fourth embodiment (seeFIG. 17 ), the fifth embodiment (seeFIG. 18 ), the sixth embodiment (seeFIG. 19 ), the seventh embodiment (seeFIG. 20 ), the eighth embodiment (seeFIG. 21 ), and the ninth embodiment (seeFIG. 22 ). - As shown in
FIGS. 33 and 34 , in the suctionchannel formation member 200K, aprotrusion 274 is provided in the surface of the upper slopedsurface region 270. Theprotrusion 274 is quadrangular in shape. Theprotrusion 274 protrudes from the upper slopedsurface region 270 by approximately 0.2 mm. Theprotrusion 274 may have a semi-spherical shape. According to the suctionchannel formation member 200K, providing theprotrusion 274 in the upper slopedsurface region 270 makes it possible to increase the value of the negative pressure produced at the atomizing area M and the vicinity thereof (to rephrase, reduces the pressure at the atomizing area M and the vicinity thereof beyond the surrounding pressure). The quantity of the aerosol can be increased as a result. The aforementioned twelfth embodiment describes the angle of slope α of the upper slopedsurface region 270 relative to the center axis of the nozzle hole 115 (seeFIG. 28 ) as being set to be, for example, no less than 20° and no more than 45°. However, providing theprotrusion 274 ameliorates a situation where it is difficult to suck the liquid due to insufficient negative pressure due to theprotrusion 274 not being provided, and makes it possible to suck the liquid, even in the case where the angle of slope α is greater than 45° (50°, 60°, or the like). Furthermore, providing theprotrusion 274 makes it possible to increase the quantity of the aerosol even in the case where the angle of slope α is set to 45° or less (this is useful in cases of low compressor capabilities). - The present embodiment will be described with reference to
FIGS. 35 and 36 .FIG. 35 is a perspective view illustrating an atomizing area and the vicinity thereof in a nebulizer kit according to the present embodiment.FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view taken along a XXXVI-XXXVI line shown inFIG. 35 . - The nebulizer kit according to the present embodiment includes a suction
channel formation member 200L instead of the suctionchannel formation member 200J (seeFIG. 30 and so on) according to the aforementioned thirteenth embodiment. The configuration of the suctionchannel formation member 200L described hereinafter can also be applied in the first embodiment (seeFIG. 10 ), the second embodiment (see FIG. 15), the third embodiment (seeFIG. 16 ), the fourth embodiment (seeFIG. 17 ), the fifth embodiment (seeFIG. 18 ), the sixth embodiment (seeFIG. 19 ), the seventh embodiment (seeFIG. 20 ), the eighth embodiment (seeFIG. 21 ), and the ninth embodiment (seeFIG. 22 ). - As shown in
FIGS. 35 and 36 , in the suctionchannel formation member 200L, a leading end surface of the liquid suctionport formation member 243 is formed so as to curve in a convex shape. Both the upper slopedsurface region 270 and the lower slopedsurface region 280 are curved in a convex shape as well. - Because the upper sloped
surface region 270 and the lower slopedsurface region 280 are formed having a convex shape, the liquid W discharged from theliquid suction port 240 easily spreads across a wide range, and easily forms a liquid film. The liquid W that has formed a liquid film is more easily broken up by the compressed air expelled from thenozzle hole 115, and thus an improvement in the misting efficiency is achieved. - The present embodiment will be described with reference to
FIGS. 37 and 38 . A nebulizer kit according to the present embodiment includes aparticle segregating portion 300A instead of the particle segregating portion 300 (seeFIG. 3 and so on) according to the aforementioned first embodiment. The configuration of theparticle segregating portion 300A described hereinafter can also be applied in the aforementioned second to fifteenth embodiments. - In the
particle segregating portion 300 according to the aforementioned first embodiment, the fourblade portions 340 occupy a space between the atomizing area M (seeFIG. 14 and so on) and the aerosol discharge port 420 (seeFIG. 14 and so on) in a fan shape. Theparticle segregating portion 300A according to the present embodiment includes a plurality ofblade portions 340A. The plurality ofblade portions 340A are formed in slat shapes, and are disposed in an essentially triangular shape, when viewed as a cross-section, progressing from the side on which thelower cylinder portion 310 is located toward theupper cylinder portion 320. The plurality ofblade portions 340A are positioned so as to be parallel to each other (seeFIG. 38 ). The plurality ofblade portions 340A occupy a space between the atomizing area M and theaerosol discharge port 420 in a linear shape. - Even in the case where the
particle segregating portion 300A is used, large (for example, 10 μm or greater) particles of the aerosol moving toward theaerosol discharge port 420 from the atomizing area M adhere to the surfaces of theblade portions 340A. Aerosol having desired particle diameters (for example, greater than or equal to 2 μm and less than 10 μm) segregated by theblade portions 340A is then discharged to the exterior through the aerosol discharge port 420 (seeFIG. 3 and so on). The aerosol is then sucked into the nose or mouth of the user through the mouthpiece 500 (seeFIG. 1 ). - The present embodiment will be described with reference to
FIGS. 39 and 40 . A nebulizer kit according to the present embodiment includes aparticle segregating portion 300B instead of the particle segregating portion 300 (seeFIG. 3 and so on) according to the aforementioned first embodiment, and includes a flowchannel formation member 400B instead of the flow channel formation member 400 (seeFIG. 3 and so on). The configuration of theparticle segregating portion 300B and the flowchannel formation member 400B described hereinafter can also be applied in the aforementioned second to fifteenth embodiments. - In the present embodiment, the
upper cylinder portion 414 and thelower cylinder portion 410 of the flowchannel formation member 400B are configured as separate entities, and theparticle segregating portion 300B is provided as an integral part of thelower cylinder portion 410 within thelower cylinder portion 410. Theupper cylinder portion 414 is fitted into an upper end of theupper cylinder portion 320 in theparticle segregating portion 300B. - Even in the case where the
particle segregating portion 300B and the flowchannel formation member 400B are used, large (for example, 10 μm or greater) particles of the aerosol moving toward theaerosol discharge port 420 from the atomizing area M (seeFIG. 14 and so on) adhere to the surfaces of theblade portions 340. Aerosol having desired particle diameters (for example, greater than or equal to 2 μm and less than 10 μm) segregated by theblade portions 340 is then discharged to the exterior through theaerosol discharge port 420. The aerosol is then sucked into the nose or mouth of the user through the mouthpiece 500 (seeFIG. 1 ). - The present embodiment will be described with reference to
FIG. 41 . A nebulizer kit according to the present embodiment includes aparticle segregating portion 300C instead of the particle segregating portion 300 (seeFIG. 3 and so on) according to the aforementioned first embodiment, and includes a flowchannel formation member 400C instead of the flow channel formation member 400 (seeFIG. 3 and so on). The configuration of theparticle segregating portion 300C and the flowchannel formation member 400C described hereinafter can also be applied in the aforementioned second to fifteenth embodiments. - In the present embodiment, the
upper cylinder portion 414 and thelower cylinder portion 410 of the flowchannel formation member 400C are configured as separate entities. Acylindrical fixing portion 470 is provided in thelower cylinder portion 410. Astep 472 is provided on an inner side of thecylindrical fixing portion 470. Acylindrical portion 322 of theparticle segregating portion 300C is fitted inside thecylindrical fixing portion 470. The fourblade portions 340 are provided on an inner side of thecylindrical portion 322. Theparticle segregating portion 300C is fixed to the flowchannel formation member 400C by being sandwiched between theupper cylinder portion 414 and thelower cylinder portion 410. - Even in the case where the
particle segregating portion 300C and the flowchannel formation member 400C are used, large (for example, 10 μm or greater) particles of the aerosol moving toward theaerosol discharge port 420 from the atomizing area M (seeFIG. 14 and so on) adhere to the surfaces of theblade portions 340. Aerosol having desired particle diameters (for example, greater than or equal to 2 μm and less than 10 μm) segregated by theblade portions 340 is then discharged to the exterior through theaerosol discharge port 420. The aerosol is then sucked into the nose or mouth of the user through the mouthpiece 500 (seeFIG. 1 ). - The present embodiment will be described with reference to
FIG. 42 . A nebulizer kit according to the present embodiment includes aparticle segregating portion 300D instead of the particle segregating portion 300 (seeFIG. 3 and so on) according to the aforementioned first embodiment, and includes a flowchannel formation member 400D instead of the flow channel formation member 400 (seeFIG. 3 and so on). The configuration of theparticle segregating portion 300D and the flowchannel formation member 400D described hereinafter can also be applied in the aforementioned second to fifteenth embodiments. - In the present embodiment, the
upper cylinder portion 414 and thelower cylinder portion 410 of the flowchannel formation member 400D are configured as separate entities. Thecylindrical fixing portion 470 is provided in thelower cylinder portion 410. Thestep 472 is provided on an inner side of thecylindrical fixing portion 470. Thecylindrical portion 322 of theparticle segregating portion 300D is fitted inside thecylindrical fixing portion 470. The plurality ofblade portions 340A are provided on an inner side of thecylindrical portion 322. Theparticle segregating portion 300D is fixed to the flowchannel formation member 400D by being sandwiched between theupper cylinder portion 414 and thelower cylinder portion 410. - Even in the case where the
particle segregating portion 300D and the flowchannel formation member 400D are used, large (for example, 10 μm or greater) particles of the aerosol moving toward theaerosol discharge port 420 from the atomizing area M (seeFIG. 14 and so on) adhere to the surfaces of theblade portions 340A. Aerosol having desired particle diameters (for example, greater than or equal to 2 μm and less than 10 μm) segregated by theblade portions 340A is then discharged to the exterior through theaerosol discharge port 420. The aerosol is then sucked into the nose or mouth of the user through the mouthpiece 500 (seeFIG. 1 ). - The present embodiment will be described with reference to
FIG. 43 . A nebulizer kit according to the present embodiment includes aparticle segregating portion 300E instead of the particle segregating portion 300 (seeFIG. 3 and so on) according to the aforementioned first embodiment, and includes a flowchannel formation member 400E instead of the flow channel formation member 400 (seeFIG. 3 and so on). The configuration of theparticle segregating portion 300E and the flowchannel formation member 400E described hereinafter can also be applied in the aforementioned second to fifteenth embodiments. - In the present embodiment, the
upper cylinder portion 414 and thelower cylinder portion 410 of the flowchannel formation member 400E are configured as separate entities. Thecylindrical fixing portion 470 is provided in thelower cylinder portion 410. An interlockingrecess 474 is provided on an inner side of thecylindrical fixing portion 470. Thecylindrical portion 322 of theparticle segregating portion 300E is fitted inside thecylindrical fixing portion 470. The fourblade portions 340 is are provided on an inner side of thecylindrical portion 322. An interlockingprotrusion 374 is provided on an outer side of thecylindrical portion 322. Theparticle segregating portion 300E is fixed to the flowchannel formation member 400E by being sandwiched between theupper cylinder portion 414 and thelower cylinder portion 410 with the interlockingprotrusion 374 and the interlockingrecess 474 interlocking with each other. - Even in the case where the
particle segregating portion 300E and the flowchannel formation member 400E are used, large (for example, 10 μm or greater) particles of the aerosol moving toward theaerosol discharge port 420 from the atomizing area M (seeFIG. 14 and so on) adhere to the surfaces of theblade portions 340. Aerosol having desired particle diameters (for example, greater than or equal to 2 μm and less than 10 μm) segregated by theblade portions 340 are then discharged to the exterior through theaerosol discharge port 420. Movement of theparticle segregating portion 300E in a rotation direction relative to the flowchannel formation member 400E is limited, and thus aerosol having a particle size closer to a design value is discharged to the exterior. The aerosol is then sucked into the nose or mouth of the user through the mouthpiece 500 (seeFIG. 1 ). - The present embodiment will be described with reference to
FIG. 44 . A nebulizer kit according to the present embodiment includes aparticle segregating portion 300F instead of the particle segregating portion 300 (seeFIG. 3 and so on) according to the aforementioned first embodiment, and includes a flowchannel formation member 400F instead of the flow channel formation member 400 (seeFIG. 3 and so on). The configuration of theparticle segregating portion 300F and the flowchannel formation member 400F described hereinafter can also be applied in the aforementioned second to fifteenth embodiments. - In the present embodiment, the
upper cylinder portion 414 and thelower cylinder portion 410 of the flowchannel formation member 400F are configured as separate entities. Thecylindrical fixing portion 470 is provided in thelower cylinder portion 410. The interlockingrecess 474 is provided on an inner side of thecylindrical fixing portion 470. Thecylindrical portion 322 of theparticle segregating portion 300F is fitted inside thecylindrical fixing portion 470. The plurality ofblade portions 340A are provided on an inner side of thecylindrical portion 322. The interlockingprotrusion 374 is provided on an outer side of thecylindrical portion 322. Theparticle segregating portion 300F is fixed to the flowchannel formation member 400F by being sandwiched between theupper cylinder portion 414 and thelower cylinder portion 410 with the interlockingprotrusion 374 and the interlockingrecess 474 interlocking with each other. - Even in the case where the
particle segregating portion 300F and the flowchannel formation member 400F are used, large (for example, 10 μm or greater) particles of the aerosol moving toward theaerosol discharge port 420 from the atomizing area M (seeFIG. 14 and so on) adhere to the surfaces of theblade portions 340A. Aerosol having desired particle diameters (for example, greater than or equal to 2 μm and less than 10 μm) segregated by theblade portions 340A is then discharged to the exterior through theaerosol discharge port 420. Movement of theparticle segregating portion 300F in a rotation direction relative to the flowchannel formation member 400F is limited, and thus aerosol having a particle size closer to a design value is discharged to the exterior. The aerosol is then sucked into the nose or mouth of the user through the mouthpiece 500 (seeFIG. 1 ). - A
nebulizer kit 1000G according to the present embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS. 45 to 54 .FIG. 45 is perspective view illustrating thenebulizer kit 1000G.FIG. 46 is an exploded perspective view illustrating thenebulizer kit 1000G. -
Nebulizer Kit 1000G - As shown in
FIGS. 45 and 46 , thenebulizer kit 1000G includes acase body 100G, the suctionchannel formation member 200G (seeFIG. 46 ), aparticle segregating portion 300G (seeFIG. 46 ), and a flowchannel formation member 400G. -
Case Body 100G/SuctionChannel Formation Member 200G -
FIG. 47 is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating thecase body 100G and the suctionchannel formation member 200G. As shown inFIGS. 46 and 47 , recesses 190 that are recessed from an inner side of thecylinder portion 110 toward an outer side of thecylinder portion 110 are provided in thecylinder portion 110 of thecase body 1000. Aside from therecesses 190, the configurations of thecase body 100A (seeFIG. 20 ), 100B (seeFIG. 21 ), 100C (seeFIG. 22 ), and 100D (seeFIG. 25 ) according to the aforementioned embodiments may be employed for the configuration of thecase body 100G. - A
protrusion 290 that protrudes away from thecylinder portion 210 may be provided in the plate-shapedgripping portion 250 of the suctionchannel formation member 200G. When the suctionchannel formation member 200G is disposed within thecase body 100G, theprotrusion 290 of the suctionchannel formation member 2000 is fitted into an inner side of one of therecesses 190 of thecase body 100G (seeFIG. 47 ). The suctionchannel formation member 200G is thus fixed to the case body 100E Aside from theprotrusion 290, the configurations of the suction channel formation member 200 (seeFIG. 3 ), 200A (seeFIG. 15 ), 200B (seeFIG. 16 ), 200C (seeFIG. 17 ), 200D (seeFIG. 18 ), 200E (seeFIG. 19 ), 200F (seeFIG. 24 ), and 200G (seeFIG. 25 ) according to the aforementioned embodiments may be employed for the configuration of the suctionchannel formation member 200G. -
Particle Segregating Portion 300G/FlowChannel Formation Member 400G - Referring again to
FIG. 46 , in theparticle segregating portion 300G, twoblade portions 340 are provided around thecenter shaft portion 330. In the particle segregating portion 3000, the twoblade portions 340 are configured so as to be independent from the cylindrical fixing portion 470 (corresponding to theupper cylinder portion 320 indicated inFIGS. 39 and 40 ). The twoblade portions 340 occupy a space between the atomizing area M and theaerosol discharge port 420 in a fan shape.Thin plate portions 344 that extend upward are provided in the upper ends of theblade portions 340. In the present embodiment, the orientation of theblade portions 340 relative to the atomizing area M (seeFIGS. 11 , 32, and so on) is adjusted by rotating theblade portions 340. - Specifically, in the flow
channel formation member 400G, theupper cylinder portion 414 and thelower cylinder portion 410 are separate entities that are fixed to each other. Thecylindrical fixing portion 470 is provided in thelower cylinder portion 410, extending upward. Twoblade portions 440 are provided on an inner side of the cylindrical fixing portion 470 (see alsoFIG. 50 ). Theblade portions 440 are formed having the same shape as theblade portions 340. When thecylindrical fixing portion 470 is taken as corresponding to the upper cylinder portion 320 (seeFIGS. 39 and 40 ) in theparticle segregating portion 300G, theblade portions 440 are positioned on an inner side of the upper cylinder portion 320 (toward an end of the particle segregating portion). Ascale 490 is provided on an outer side of thecylindrical fixing portion 470. -
FIG. 48 is a perspective view illustrating theupper cylinder portion 414 of the flowchannel formation member 400 G Attachment recesses 494 are provided on an inner side of theupper cylinder portion 414. The attachment recesses 494 correspond to the shape of the thin plate portions 344 (seeFIG. 46 ) in theparticle segregating portion 300G (seeFIG. 46 ). Anindicator portion 492 that corresponds to thescale 490 is provided extending downward from the lower end of the upper cylinder portion 414 (see alsoFIG. 46 ). -
FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating a state in which theparticle segregating portion 300G and theupper cylinder portion 414 of the flowchannel formation member 400G are fixed to each other. Theparticle segregating portion 300G is configured to be removable from the flowchannel formation member 400G, and is fixed to the flowchannel formation member 400G by being sandwiched between theupper cylinder portion 414 and the lower cylinder portion 410 (seeFIG. 46 ). - When the
particle segregating portion 300G is fixed to the flowchannel formation member 400G, thethin plate portions 344 of theparticle segregating portion 300G interlock with inner sides of the attachment recesses 494 in theupper cylinder portion 414. Thus when theupper cylinder portion 414 rotates (see an arrow AR492 inFIG. 51 ), theupper cylinder portion 414 and theparticle segregating portion 300G rotate integrally in the same direction. -
FIG. 50 is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating a state in which theparticle segregating portion 300G and thelower cylinder portion 410 of the flowchannel formation member 400G are fixed to each other. As described above, theparticle segregating portion 300G is fixed to the flowchannel formation member 400G by being sandwiched between the upper cylinder portion 414 (seeFIG. 46 ) and thelower cylinder portion 410. Theblade portions 340 of theparticle segregating portion 300G are configured to be removable from thelower cylinder portion 410 of the flowchannel formation member 400G. - When the
particle segregating portion 300G is fixed to the flowchannel formation member 400G, a lower end of thecenter shaft portion 330 in theparticle segregating portion 300G is fitted into a receivingportion 450 provided in the center of the cylindrical fixing portion 47Q. When the upper cylinder portion 414 (seeFIG. 49 and so on) is rotated (see the arrow AR492 inFIG. 51 ), theparticle segregating portion 300G rotates integrally with theupper cylinder portion 414 central to the receivingportion 450. - Operations of
Nebulizer Kit 1000G -
FIG. 51 is perspective view illustrating operations of thenebulizer kit 1000G. In thenebulizer kit 1000G, the suctionchannel formation member 200G (seeFIG. 47 ) is fixed to thecase body 100G (seeFIG. 47 ). The aerosol produced at the atomizing area M (seeFIGS. 11 , 32, and so on) moves toward theaerosol discharge port 420 with a predetermined directivity. In thenebulizer kit 1000G, the blade portions 340 (seeFIG. 46 and so on) are positioned between the atomizing area M and theaerosol discharge port 420. The configuration is such that the orientation of theblade portions 340 relative to the atomizing area M can be adjusted. -
FIG. 52 is a first plan view illustrating theparticle segregating portion 300G and the flowchannel formation member 400G, looking down on thenebulizer kit 1000G from theaerosol discharge port 420. InFIG. 52 , theindicator portion 492 of theupper cylinder portion 414 is set to “MIN” in the scale 490 (seeFIG. 51 ). - In the state shown in
FIG. 52 , an aerosol channel formed between the atomizing area M and theaerosol discharge port 420 is almost completely occupied by theblade portions 340 and theblade portions 440. Almost all of large particles of the aerosol moving toward theaerosol discharge port 420 from the atomizing area M adhere to the surfaces of theblade portions 340 and theblade portions 440. -
FIG. 53 is a second plan view illustrating theparticle segregating portion 300G and the flowchannel formation member 400G, looking down on thenebulizer kit 1000G from theaerosol discharge port 420. InFIG. 53 , theindicator portion 492 of theupper cylinder portion 414 is set between “MIN” and “MAX” in the scale 490 (seeFIG. 51 ). Compared to theblade portions 340 shown inFIG. 52 , theblade portions 340 shown inFIG. 53 have been rotated clockwise by a predetermined angle as a result of theupper cylinder portion 414 rotating. - In the state shown in
FIG. 53 , theblade portions 340 are partially located underneath theblade portions 440. The aerosol channel formed between the atomizing area M and theaerosol discharge port 420 is slightly occupied by theblade portions 340 and the blade portions 440 (that is, theliquid reservoir portion 116 is partially exposed). Large particles of the aerosol moving toward theaerosol discharge port 420 from the atomizing area M can therefore also pass between theblade portions 340 and theblade portions 440 and be discharged to the exterior from theaerosol discharge port 420. -
FIG. 54 is a third plan view illustrating theparticle segregating portion 300G and the flow channel formation member 4000, looking down on thenebulizer kit 1000G from theaerosol discharge port 420. InFIG. 54 , theindicator portion 492 of theupper cylinder portion 414 is set to “MAX” in the scale 490 (seeFIG. 51 ). Compared to theblade portions 340 shown inFIG. 53 , theblade portions 340 shown inFIG. 54 have been further rotated clockwise by a predetermined angle as a result of theupper cylinder portion 414 rotating. - In the state shown in
FIG. 54 , theblade portions 340 are almost entirely located underneath theblade portions 440. The aerosol channel formed between the atomizing area M and theaerosol discharge port 420 is thus almost completely unoccupied by theblade portions 340. Large particles of the aerosol moving toward theaerosol discharge port 420 from the atomizing area M can therefore also pass between theblade portions 340 and theblade portions 440 and be discharged to the exterior from theaerosol discharge port 420. - Actions and Effects
- The orientation of the
blade portions 340 relative to the atomizing area M is adjusted by rotating theblade portions 340. The width of the aerosol channel formed between the atomizing area M and the aerosol discharge port 420 (that is, the percentage of the channel occupied by the blade portions 340) increases or decreases when theblade portions 340 rotate. The size of the aerosol particles discharged from theaerosol discharge port 420 depends on the width of the aerosol channel formed between the atomizing area M and theaerosol discharge port 420. Therefore, according to thenebulizer kit 1000G, aerosol having a particle size that is optimal for water, a saline solution, a drug solution for treating a disease in the respiratory system or the like, or a vaccine administered to a user can be obtained. - Meanwhile, as shown in
FIG. 50 , the flowchannel formation member 400G tapers so that the inner diameter thereof decreases as the member progresses from the bottom (an area toward the atomizing area M) toward the cylindrical fixing portion 470 (the aerosol discharge port 420). Theblade portions 440 and theblade portions 340 can thus effectively segregate particles. - The present embodiment will be described with reference to
FIGS. 55 and 56 . A nebulizer kit according to the present embodiment includes aparticle segregating portion 300H instead of theparticle segregating portion 300G (seeFIG. 46 and so on) according to the aforementioned twenty-second embodiment, and includes a flowchannel formation member 400H instead of the flowchannel formation member 400G (seeFIG. 46 and so on). - The
particle segregating portion 300H according to the present embodiment includes a plurality ofblade portions 340A on an inner side of thecylindrical portion 322. The plurality ofblade portions 340A are formed in slat shapes, and are disposed in an essentially triangular shape when viewed as a cross-section. The plurality ofblade portions 340A are positioned so as to be parallel to each other (seeFIG. 56 ). The plurality ofblade portions 340A occupy a space between the atomizing area M and theaerosol discharge port 420 in a linear shape. - The
thin plate portions 344 that are fitted into the attachment recesses 494 of the upper cylinder portion 414 (seeFIG. 46 ) are provided in an upper end of thecylindrical portion 322. The interlockingprotrusion 374 that is fitted into the interlockingrecess 474 of thecylindrical fixing portion 470 is provided in the outer surface of thecylindrical portion 322. - The aerosol produced at the atomizing area M (see
FIGS. 11 , 32, and so on) moves toward the aerosol discharge port 420 (seeFIG. 46 ) with a predetermined directivity in this present embodiment as well. Theblade portions 340A are positioned between the atomizing area M and theaerosol discharge port 420. The configuration is such that the orientation of theblade portions 340A relative to the atomizing area M can be adjusted. - The orientation of the
blade portions 340A relative to the atomizing area M is adjusted by rotating theblade portions 340A. The width of the aerosol channel formed between the atomizing area M and the aerosol discharge port 420 (that is, the percentage of the channel occupied by theblade portions 340A) increases or decreases when theblade portions 340A rotate. The size of the aerosol particles discharged from theaerosol discharge port 420 depends on the width of the aerosol channel formed between the atomizing area M and theaerosol discharge port 420. Therefore, according to the nebulizer kit of the present embodiment as well, aerosol having a particle size that is optimal for water, a saline solution, a drug solution for treating a disease in the respiratory system or the like, or a vaccine administered to a user can be obtained. - The present embodiment will be described with reference to
FIG. 57 . A nebulizer kit according to the present embodiment includes aparticle segregating portion 300J instead of theparticle segregating portion 300G (seeFIG. 46 and so on) according to the aforementioned twenty-second embodiment, and includes a flowchannel formation member 400J instead of the flowchannel formation member 400G (seeFIG. 46 and so on). - In the
particle segregating portion 300J, aconnection portion 376, a grippingportion 378, and aprojection 388 are provided in the outer circumferential surface of thecylindrical portion 322. Theconnection portion 376 projects in the normal direction relative to thecylindrical portion 322. The grippingportion 378 is provided so as to hang downward from a leading end of theconnection portion 376 in the direction in which theconnection portion 376 projects. The shape of theconnection portion 376 corresponds to the shape of a notchedportion 476 provided in the flowchannel formation member 400J, which will be mentioned later. The shape of theprojection 388 corresponds to the shape of a recessedgroove 478 provided in the flowchannel formation member 400J, which will be mentioned later. Theprojection 388 is fitted into the recessedgroove 478. - In the flow
channel formation member 400J, the notchedportion 476 is provided in thecylindrical fixing portion 470. The notchedportion 476 is provided parallel to the direction of the cylinder axis of thecylindrical fixing portion 470. Theconnection portion 376 of theparticle segregating portion 300J is fitted into the notchedportion 476. Theparticle segregating portion 300J can be kept at a predetermined height as a result of the notchedportion 476 and theconnection portion 376 interlocking with each other. Ascale 496 is provided on an outer surface of thecylindrical fixing portion 470, in the vicinity of the notchedportion 476. - The aerosol produced at the atomizing area M (see
FIGS. 11 , 32, and so on) moves toward the aerosol discharge port 420 (seeFIG. 57 ) with a predetermined directivity in this present embodiment as well. Theblade portions 340 are positioned between the atomizing area M and theaerosol discharge port 420. The configuration is such that the position of theblade portions 340 relative to the atomizing area M can be adjusted. - A gap between the
blade portions 340 and the atomizing area M is increased or decreased by changing the position of theparticle segregating portion 300J relative to the flowchannel formation member 400J using the grippingportion 378. The size of the aerosol particles discharged from theaerosol discharge port 420 also depends on the gap between theblade portions 340 and the atomizing area M. Therefore, according to the nebulizer kit of the present embodiment as well, aerosol having a particle size that is optimal for water, a saline solution, a drug solution for treating a disease in the respiratory system or the like, or a vaccine administered to a user can be obtained. - The present embodiment will be described with reference to
FIGS. 58 and 59 . A nebulizer kit according to the present embodiment includes aparticle segregating portion 300K instead of theparticle segregating portion 300G (seeFIG. 46 and so on) according to the aforementioned twenty-second embodiment, and includes a flowchannel formation member 400K instead of the flowchannel formation member 400G (seeFIG. 46 and so on). - In the
particle segregating portion 300K, aprojection 377 and the interlockingprotrusion 374 are provided in the outer circumferential surface of thecylindrical portion 322. The shape of theprojection 377 corresponds to the shape of an engagement long-hole 427 provided in the flowchannel formation member 400K (upper cylinder portion 414). The shape of the interlockingprotrusion 374 corresponds to the shape of the interlockingrecess 474 provided in the flowchannel formation member 400K (lower cylinder portion 410). The interlockingprotrusion 374 is fitted into the interlockingrecess 474. - As shown in
FIG. 59 , asingle blade portion 440 is provided on the inner side of thecylindrical portion 322, and a slat-shapedshaft portion 329 is supported by theblade portion 440. The slat-shapedshaft portion 329 is disposed following the cylinder axis of thecylindrical portion 322. - The
particle segregating portion 300K includes threeblade portions 340B. Afitting hole 349 is provided in each of the threeblade portions 340B. The threeblade portions 340B are fitted onto the slat-shapedshaft portion 329 in order using the fitting holes 349. It is preferable that thefitting holes 349 are configured so as to engage with the slat-shapedshaft portion 329 using friction. - The aerosol produced at the atomizing area M (see
FIGS. 11 , 32, and so on) moves toward the aerosol discharge port 420 (seeFIG. 58 ) with a predetermined directivity in this present embodiment as well. Theblade portions 340B are positioned between the atomizing area M and theaerosol discharge port 420. The configuration is such that the orientations of theblade portions 340B relative to the atomizing area M can be adjusted. - The orientations of the
blade portions 340B relative to the atomizing area M are adjusted by rotating theblade portions 340B. The width of the aerosol channel formed between the atomizing area M and the aerosol discharge port 420 (that is, the percentage of the channel occupied by theblade portions 340B) increases or decreases when theblade portions 340B rotate. The size of the aerosol particles discharged from theaerosol discharge port 420 depends on the width of the aerosol channel formed between the atomizing area M and theaerosol discharge port 420. Therefore, according to the nebulizer kit of the present embodiment as well, aerosol having a particle size that is optimal for water, a saline solution, a drug solution for treating a disease in the respiratory system or the like, or a vaccine administered to a user can be obtained. - The three
blade portions 340B can be attached at independent angles relative to the slat-shapedshaft portion 329. Because the percentage of the channel occupied by theblade portions 340B can be adjusted over a smaller range, the nebulizer kit according to the present embodiment is highly convenient for obtaining aerosol having an optimal particle size. Furthermore, because theblade portions 340B can be easily removed from thecylindrical portion 322, the nebulizer kit according to the present embodiment is also highly convenient in terms of cleaning. - Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described thus far, it should be noted that the embodiments disclosed above are to be understood as being in all ways exemplary and in no way limiting. The technical scope of the present invention is defined by the scope of the appended claims, and all changes that fall within the same essential spirit as the scope of the claims are intended to be included therein as well.
-
-
- 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100G, 900 case body
- 102, 230, 235, 924 a opening
- 110, 210, 322 cylindrical portion
- 113, 913 compressed air introduction tube
- 113 a, 913 a upper tip area
- 113 b outer circumferential surface
- 113 s leading end surface
- 115, 915 nozzle hole
- 115 c center line
- 116, 916 liquid reservoir portion
- 143 platform
- 144, 190 indentation
- 180 interlocking hole
- 200, 200A, 200B, 200C, 200D, 200E, 200F, 200G, 200H, 200J, 200K, 200L suction channel formation member
- 210 a inner circumferential surface
- 220 suction channel formation portion
- 221, 222 suction channel
- 232 upper end surface
- 240 liquid suction port
- 241, 246 expanded portion
- 242 end surface
- 243 liquid suction port formation member
- 243T leading end area
- 244 inner side
- 250 plate-shaped gripping portion
- 251 plate portion
- 252, 274, 290 protrusion
- 260 liquid collection portion
- 270 upper sloped surface region
- 272 sloped surface
- 280 lower sloped surface region
- 300, 300A, 300B, 300C, 300D, 300E, 300F, 300G, 300H, 300J, 300K particle segregating portion
- 310, 410 lower cylinder portion
- 320, 414 upper cylinder portion
- 329 slat-shaped shaft portion
- 330 center shaft portion
- 340, 340A, 340B, 440 blade portion
- 344 thin plate portion
- 349 fitting hole
- 374, 480 interlocking protrusion
- 376 connection portion
- 377, 388 projection
- 378 gripping portion
- 400, 400B, 400C, 400D, 400E, 400F, 400G, 400H, 400J, 400K, 930 flow channel formation member
- 412 central cylinder portion
- 420, 932 aerosol discharge port
- 427 engagement long-hole
- 430 outside air introduction port
- 450 receiving portion
- 470 cylindrical fixing portion
- 472 step
- 474 interlocking recess
- 476 notched portion
- 478 recessed groove
- 490, 496 scale
- 492 indicator portion
- 494 attachment recess
- 500 mouthpiece
- 510 main body
- 511 compressed air expulsion port
- 512 tube
- 902 upper opening
- 920 atomizing area formation member
- 922 baffle portion
- 923 baffle support portion
- 924 liquid suction tube formation area
- 925 projection
- 925T lower end
- 934 outside air introduction tube
- 1000, 1000G, 1000Z nebulizer kit
- 2000 nebulizer
- AR113, AR220, AR272, AR430, AR492, AR913, AR915, AR922, AR932, AR934 arrow
- M atomizing area
- R115 exit region
- W liquid
- W1 droplet
- W2 aerosol
Claims (6)
1. A nebulizer kit comprising:
a case body, having an open upper end, and including a compressed air introduction tube, extending upward, into which compressed air is introduced and in an upper end portion of which a nozzle hole that expels the compressed air is formed, and further including a liquid reservoir portion provided surrounding an outer circumferential surface of the compressed air introduction tube at a bottom area of the compressed air introduction tube;
a suction channel formation member that forms a suction channel that sucks a liquid held in the liquid reservoir portion toward the upper end portion of the compressed air introduction tube and forms an atomizing area in an exit region of the nozzle hole provided in the compressed air introduction tube by covering the outer circumferential surface of the compressed air introduction tube; and
a flow channel formation member, including an aerosol discharge port that discharges an aerosol formed at the atomizing area to the exterior, that is attached to the case body so as to cover an upper opening of the case body,
wherein the suction channel includes:
a first suction channel that extends upward along the outer circumferential surface of the compressed air introduction tube; and
a second suction channel that extends from the first suction channel toward the nozzle hole at a leading end area of the compressed air introduction tube and has a liquid suction port that expels the liquid that has been sucked up,
the second suction channel is formed so as to pass through a portion of the flow channel formation member from an interior of the channel formation member toward a surface of the channel formation member, and
a liquid collecting portion having a larger cross-sectional channel area than that of the second suction channel is provided in a region where the first suction channel and the second suction channel intersect.
2. The nebulizer kit according to claim 1 ,
wherein the liquid suction port is positioned above a region in which the nozzle hole is provided when the nozzle hole is viewed from the liquid suction port.
3. The nebulizer kit according to claim 2 ,
wherein the nozzle hole is formed in a circular shape, and
a center line of the nozzle hole is positioned on a plane that includes the liquid suction port.
4. The nebulizer kit according to claim 1 ,
wherein an opening of the liquid suction port is shaped so as to extend horizontally.
5. The nebulizer kit according to claim 1 ,
wherein the nozzle hole is defined by a round, cylindrical inner circumferential surface, and
the inner circumferential surface is a tapered surface that widens outward.
6. A nebulizer comprising:
a main body including a compressor that discharges compressed air;
a compressed air tube portion through which the compressed air discharged by the compressor is introduced; and
the nebulizer kit according to claim 1 , to which one end of the compressed air tube portion is attached and that produces an aerosol.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2011-285861 | 2011-12-27 | ||
JP2011285861A JP5929176B2 (en) | 2011-12-27 | 2011-12-27 | Nebulizer and nebulizer kit |
PCT/JP2012/076115 WO2013099397A1 (en) | 2011-12-27 | 2012-10-09 | Nebulizer and nebulizer kit |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/JP2012/076115 Continuation WO2013099397A1 (en) | 2011-12-27 | 2012-10-09 | Nebulizer and nebulizer kit |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20140263740A1 true US20140263740A1 (en) | 2014-09-18 |
US9522242B2 US9522242B2 (en) | 2016-12-20 |
Family
ID=48696902
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/288,941 Active 2033-09-02 US9522242B2 (en) | 2011-12-27 | 2014-05-28 | Nebulizer and nebulizer kit |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US9522242B2 (en) |
JP (1) | JP5929176B2 (en) |
CN (1) | CN104023773B (en) |
DE (1) | DE112012005482T5 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2013099397A1 (en) |
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USD749718S1 (en) * | 2014-03-12 | 2016-02-16 | Omron Healthcare Co., Ltd. | Atomizer for inhaler |
USD753282S1 (en) * | 2014-11-21 | 2016-04-05 | Delta Electronics, Inc. | Nebulizer |
USD773645S1 (en) * | 2014-12-12 | 2016-12-06 | Wen-Ching Lee | Nebulizer |
USD796664S1 (en) * | 2014-05-13 | 2017-09-05 | Khalil A Hill | Visual flow indicator rotating nebulizer |
USD806857S1 (en) * | 2014-06-19 | 2018-01-02 | Shenzhen Lfs Medical Device Co., Ltd. | Super-micro nebulizer |
US10081024B1 (en) * | 2017-03-15 | 2018-09-25 | Smbure Co., Ltd. | Desk type liquid chemical spraying device |
CN109718433A (en) * | 2017-10-31 | 2019-05-07 | 正大天晴药业集团股份有限公司 | Suction-type atomizer external member |
US10434266B2 (en) | 2014-02-27 | 2019-10-08 | Omron Healthcare Co., Ltd. | Nebulizer and nebulizer kit |
US20220196892A1 (en) * | 2019-03-29 | 2022-06-23 | Panasonic Intellectual Property Corporation Of America | Light beam emission system |
CN116439872A (en) * | 2023-06-16 | 2023-07-18 | 内蒙古美羊牧业科技有限公司 | Vaccine atomizing device |
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US9539408B2 (en) | 2012-10-31 | 2017-01-10 | Trudell Medical International | Nebulizer apparatus |
ES2894895T3 (en) | 2016-07-08 | 2022-02-16 | Trudell Medical Int | Intelligent oscillating positive expiratory pressure device |
US10786638B2 (en) | 2016-07-08 | 2020-09-29 | Trudell Medical International | Nebulizer apparatus and method |
KR101870431B1 (en) * | 2016-11-01 | 2018-06-22 | 주식회사 위그린 | apparatus for vapouring chemical treatment liquid to disinfecting air |
CA3036631A1 (en) | 2016-12-09 | 2018-06-14 | Trudell Medical International | Smart nebulizer |
DE102017119462A1 (en) * | 2017-08-25 | 2019-02-28 | Gelupas Gmbh | Dispensing device for spraying a sprayable fluid or powder |
CN208711985U (en) * | 2017-11-26 | 2019-04-09 | 广州丹绮环保科技有限公司 | A kind of humidifier |
AU2019205865A1 (en) | 2018-01-04 | 2020-07-16 | Trudell Medical International Inc. | Smart oscillating positive expiratory pressure device |
CN109674496B (en) * | 2018-08-01 | 2019-11-15 | 浙江三创生物科技有限公司 | The device and its device and component of conveying medicament |
CN108704202B (en) * | 2018-08-15 | 2024-04-05 | 威海盛洁医疗科技有限公司 | Medical administration atomizing cup |
JP7182104B2 (en) * | 2019-03-28 | 2022-12-02 | パナソニックIpマネジメント株式会社 | spraying device |
CA3152072A1 (en) | 2019-08-27 | 2021-03-04 | Trudell Medical International | Smart oscillating positive expiratory pressure device |
WO2022201952A1 (en) * | 2021-03-26 | 2022-09-29 | 株式会社村田製作所 | Atomizer |
JP7452756B2 (en) | 2021-03-26 | 2024-03-19 | 株式会社村田製作所 | atomizer |
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- 2012-10-09 CN CN201280065021.0A patent/CN104023773B/en active Active
- 2012-10-09 WO PCT/JP2012/076115 patent/WO2013099397A1/en active Application Filing
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Cited By (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10434266B2 (en) | 2014-02-27 | 2019-10-08 | Omron Healthcare Co., Ltd. | Nebulizer and nebulizer kit |
USD749718S1 (en) * | 2014-03-12 | 2016-02-16 | Omron Healthcare Co., Ltd. | Atomizer for inhaler |
USD796664S1 (en) * | 2014-05-13 | 2017-09-05 | Khalil A Hill | Visual flow indicator rotating nebulizer |
USD806857S1 (en) * | 2014-06-19 | 2018-01-02 | Shenzhen Lfs Medical Device Co., Ltd. | Super-micro nebulizer |
USD753282S1 (en) * | 2014-11-21 | 2016-04-05 | Delta Electronics, Inc. | Nebulizer |
USD773645S1 (en) * | 2014-12-12 | 2016-12-06 | Wen-Ching Lee | Nebulizer |
US10081024B1 (en) * | 2017-03-15 | 2018-09-25 | Smbure Co., Ltd. | Desk type liquid chemical spraying device |
CN109718433A (en) * | 2017-10-31 | 2019-05-07 | 正大天晴药业集团股份有限公司 | Suction-type atomizer external member |
US20220196892A1 (en) * | 2019-03-29 | 2022-06-23 | Panasonic Intellectual Property Corporation Of America | Light beam emission system |
US11815704B2 (en) * | 2019-03-29 | 2023-11-14 | Panasonic Intellectual Property Corporation Of America | Light beam emission system |
CN116439872A (en) * | 2023-06-16 | 2023-07-18 | 内蒙古美羊牧业科技有限公司 | Vaccine atomizing device |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JP2013132471A (en) | 2013-07-08 |
JP5929176B2 (en) | 2016-06-01 |
CN104023773A (en) | 2014-09-03 |
CN104023773B (en) | 2016-05-18 |
US9522242B2 (en) | 2016-12-20 |
DE112012005482T5 (en) | 2014-09-11 |
WO2013099397A1 (en) | 2013-07-04 |
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